The Motley Fool UK Investment Guide [Paperback]

Ever spent half the night worrying that you're going to wind up penniless in your old age? No? Then it's high time you did, according to the Motley Fool's UK Investment Guide. The Fool lays bare the murky world of personal investment; how independent financial advisers aren't so independent, how unit trusts are badly managed, how putting your money in the building society is often the least safe option and how the professionals have a vested interest in keeping you in the dark.

Fortunately, the Fool also explains, in words of one syllable, how to work the system to your advantage. So even the most financially dim--yours truly included--should be able to understand. In fact, it is only the style of the book that may cause problems, as the relentless schoolboy humour does get irritating after a while. But stick with it, because you don't get information like this anywhere else, and the book has something for everyone--from those just looking to make one good decision about their finances before forgetting about the whole thing, to those who want to take a more active role. This book may not save you a fortune, but it could just make you one. --John Crace

A guide to financial investment without entrusting personal savings to professional advisers, which can result in under-performance and excessive charges.

"This he calls a recommendation? This?!" Author's mum.
As the author you're probably going to think that what I write in this review is just a load of old claptrap designed to make you buy the book. How can you believe anything I say?

Obviously, you can't.

But then, at the ridiculous price Amazon is discounting here, you don't have much to lose if you do buy this all-you-ever-needed-to-know about-investment-but-couldn't-be-bothered-to-ask book.

So, let's say you buy it. Then, suppose it's no good. What do you do? Kick yourself, of course, for wasting roughly the price of a Chicken Tikka Masala and chips, then chuck the book on the compost heap (don't include the cover -- it won't biodegrade) and get on with life. You're only a few quid down and at least you've learnt never to trust anyone in a jester cap again.

Just suppose, on the other hand, that this book is so well-written, funny in some parts and compelling in others that you manage to read it right through, something you'd never have imagined you could do with a book on investment. Suppose also that the Foolish message of self-reliance, the power of small amounts of money saved over time to grow to humungous proportions and the revelation that you can do far better than your financial adviser are all true. Suppose, finally, the book reveals that it's not all as complicated as the professionals want you to think, that perhaps they really are in it for what they can make out of you and perhaps you really could manage your savings yourself. If it's all true, then this book will change your life.

The problem is, though, that I'm one of the authors and you can't believe anything I say. So where does this leave you, the reader?

Tricky.

But since you can't trust me, the answer's probably this: don't, whatever you do, buy this book!

Just forget it! Don't buy it, OK? Don't buy it, do not buy it, forego the purchasing experience herewith offered to you, cease to consider this tome as a factor in your acquisitory strategy. It is not for you. Instead, visit a financial adviser and pay out lots of luvverly lolly out for the privilege of so-called 'advice' which will net the adviser a big fat commission and you an underperforming investment. And while you're about it, ignore the views of Sir Mark Weinberg, why don't you? He's the chap who drew up the 1986 Financial Services Act and now believes that it is totally wrong for 'Independent Financial Advisers' who take commission to be allowed to call themselves 'Independent'. Forget about learning ways to invest in simple stockmarket investments which trounce 90% of the professionals. Don't bother with finding out how to pick shares in common companies whose products you use every day. The incredible truth behind pensions and annuities? Forget it -- you don't need this stuff.

In fact, now I'm sorry I ever wrote the thing. I take it all back. Just promise me, whatever you do, that you won't buy this book.

Promise?

Really?

OK, good.